Steve Bruce knows Akpom well having worked with him at Hull last season.

The Villa boss is set to launch another move for the Arsenal ace before transfer deadline day but will face competition from a host of other Championship clubs.

How Aston Villa's line-up could look after the January transfer window

ASTON VILLA made quite a few changes in the January transfer window, but how could their starting line-up look?

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Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa

Birkir Bjarnason is determined to help Aston Villa get back to the Premier League after signing for the club yesterday.

The Iceland star said: "Like everyone else growing up, I wanted to play in the Premier League and play in England. This is going to be a really good opportunity for me to accomplish that.

"I've talked to the people at the club and the manager. They have great ambitions. I have as well. I want to go up. We will do our best. We’re not so far from it.

"I’ve heard great things about Villa Park, the club and the fans. It’s really exciting. I’m really looking forward to it."

GETTY

Birkir Bjarnason is determined to help Aston Villa get back to the Premier League

GETTY

Barnsley ace Conor Hourihane is set to join Aston Villa

Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom has hinted that Aston Villa target Conor Hourihane has left his side.

The Tykes completed their loan deal for Matty James yesterday with Heckingbottom revealing he signed the Leicester ace because one of his midfielders had left.

According to The Birmingham Mail, he said: "We’ve seen one midfielder depart this week, but conversely we’ve brought in another who is hugely experienced and talented, so I’m delighted that we’ve got the deal done."

The report suggests that Heckingbottom was talking about Villa-bound Hourihane who is expected to finalise his move to Villa Park imminently.